'Habagat' to trigger rains in western Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat," continued to prevail in the country on Saturday, August 10, especially affecting a large part of Luzon and the western portions of Visayas and Mindanao.

In its public weather forecast, state weather bureau PAGASA's specialist Daniel James Villamil said the western section of Luzon, particularly the areas of Ilocos, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan, will experience scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon.

Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for possible floods and take necessary precautions.

In Metro Manila, early morning and late afternoon to evening thunderstorms are expected. However, clearer skies are likely for the remainder of the day.

A large portion of Visayas and Mindanao, meanwhile, will experience cloudy to partly cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms.

PAGASA also forecasts that weather conditions will start to improve in Palawan and Occidental Mindoro by the middle of next week.

As of the latest update, the bureau has not monitored or spotted any low-pressure area or any potential cyclone that may affect the country's weather conditions in the coming days, Villamil said.